Women’s soccer in America has seen a spectacular upsurge in recent years. Players have previously reached unheard-of achievements. A prime example is Washington Spirit’s Trinity Rodman, who etched her name in history by becoming one of the highest-paid players in the National Women’s Soccer League. But records are meant to be broken, as Houston Dash’s Maria Sanchez has shattered the previous record with a groundbreakingly bigger and lucrative contract worth much more than a million. 

As we head into the new year, NWSL clubs continue to make preparations for the 2024 campaign. Let’s hear how Sanchez’s latest deal marks a new era in the financial landscape of the NWSL.

Maria Sanchez snatches the highest-paid NWSL player crown from Rodman 

According to journalist Jeff Kassouf on The Equalizer, Maria Sánchez has just secured the title of the NWSL’s highest-paid player. Thanks to a hefty three-year contract with Houston Dash, the Mexican international will be pocketing a total of $1.5 million. There is also the possibility of extending for a fourth year. Additionally, this significant deal surpasses Trinity Rodman’s previous four-year contract worth $1.1 million, which she signed in 2022. Notably, Sanchez decided to stay with the team throughout the summer, even though she was a free agent. 

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Compared to her earnings during her inaugural NWSL season in 2019, when she was drafted by the Chicago Red Stars, her recently inked agreement signals a big shift. Her compensation that year was $14,584, which was less than the league minimum because she signed her contract after the preseason. Either way, Sanchez has definitely come a long way. Meanwhile, the shocking week continues for Rodman, as, before being overtaken in salary standings, she missed out on the USWNT POTY nominations, which interestingly didn’t settle well for a revered journalist. 

Analyst questions Trinity Rodman’s absence from the USWNT POTY nominees

The omission of Trinity Rodman from the nominations for the USWNT’s Player of the Year disappointed analyst Lisa Carling. Despite having a commendable season in the league this year, Carling advocated for Rodman’s inclusion based on other merits. Speaking on Attacking Third, she said, “It’s a big miss, frankly, in my opinion. She’s a young player, a forward for the United States, that led the team in goal contributions in 2023.”

Carling insists Rodman was a complete ‘game-changer’ for the USWNT and marked it as a ‘complete snub’ as per the ‘US standards.’ Although the forward scored five goals and five assists, this contribution was mostly in international friendlies. Speaking of the nominees, Lindsey Horan, Sophia Smith, Crystal Dunn, Emily Fox, and Naomi Girma are the potential names to win the award. 

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